HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240718 - PSAC Minutes July 18, 2024
Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes
Present: Commissioners: Melissa Blackstad, Andy Caflisch, Mary Nehring, Steven Anderson,
And Theresa Auge`.
City Staff: Police Chief Dave Wilske, Fire Chief John Townsend
Guests: City Council Member Pemble and Police Community Officer: Whitney Rinowski
Chair Augé called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Welcome/Introductions:
The agenda was amended to include; Cat on the Bridge and Security at the Election Polls.
A motion made by Commissioner Nehring and seconded by Commissioner Blackstad to approve the
amended agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
A motion made by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Blackstad to approve the
July 2024 meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
Police Update:
• Staffing Update: Terry Kuhn is the newest Police Officer. Mitch Giles is the new Community
Service Officer. One officer candidate is currently in background.
• Rivertown Days was very busy, with no police issues.
• Dakota County has a new Emergency Manager. Chief gave a flooding update; MN has reached
the state level. If we reach the Federal level, it will mean some monetary reimbursements!
• A recent incident was described surrounding an individual walking and pointing a gun into
windows. The chief described the heroic measures Sergeant Bauer used to keep the situation
under control.
• Questions from members: Surrounding firearms. MN has no “conceal and carry”. MN has a
“permit to carry”.
• The “resident” that was living on the bench has been taken to jail for violating trespassing.
Fire Update:
• The brush truck is close to being put back into service.
• A swift water class is currently going on in Hastings. This involves other agencies.
• A field training class is pending for a staff member.
• 15 staff members have some additional training pending.
• Planning on completing hiring in August with only a few needing EMT training.
Old Business:
• National Night Out. The punch list was reviewed with Officer Rinowski. The team will use the
shelter in place. Auge’s to pick up water. Reserves will use their truck to bring the cooler.
Members are asked to wear shirts and arrive at 3:30.
• Bike Safety: Chief reported that Park and Rec Director, Chris Jenson will have speed limits on
park signs for bikes. Commissioner Blackstad gave an update from a conversation with owner
Randy from E-bikes. The police chief will send the owner the city ordinances concerning bikes.
• 4th of July parade: The parade was well attended. The plan to have floats and other parade
members exiting on 15th street went very well. There is a local group who may be interested in
purchasing candy for the parade. Chair Auge` to follow up. As discussed with Officer Rinowski,
buckets have been secured for easier handing of those disbursing candy.
New Business:
• Cat on the Bridge: The bridge is a state structure. MnDot along with others was able to free the
kitty and ensure there was no damage to the bridge.
• Security at the Election Polls: Due to the recent assassination attempt, and since the commission
has 5 election judges, the question was posed whether the city has investigated any security
measures for the August primary election.
Next Meeting:
August 15th at City Hall
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Commissioner Blackstad and seconded by Commissioner Caflisch. The meeting
was adjourned at 7:29 pm.